Sandy shores, cool ocean breezes, and endless sunshine—there’s nothing better than summer in New England! Whether you want to experience the charm of Cape Cod or the tranquil coastlines of Maine, add these 11 beaches to your summer bucket list.
Connecticut
Whether you love the pool or the beach, you’ll get the best of both worlds at Ocean Beach Park in New London. Build castles in the soft golden sands or swim in the calm waters, then cool off in the Olympic-sized swimming pool steps away from the beach – this pool features not just one but three thrilling water slides. After a day in the sun, head to the onsite amusement park for a round of mini-golf, a spin on the carousel, or a game of Pac-Man in the arcade. Feeling hungry? Sandbar Cafe on the boardwalk serves up seafood, burgers, and cocktails with stunning ocean views.
Stretching along two miles of shoreline in Madison, Hammonasset Beach is Connecticut’s largest beach, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or simply taking in the views of Long Island Sound. Stroll along the boardwalk and choose from one of the many lobster shacks, or bring your bike to ride the three-mile BURT trail, which takes you from West Beach to Meigs Point. Feel like staying overnight? With 558 campsites and eight rustic cabins, this park has plenty of options for falling asleep to the sound of the ocean.
If you want to relax at the beach without worrying about droves of tourists, you can’t go wrong with Clinton Town Beach. Soft brown sand, sparkling blue water, and sparse crowds make this a great spot for a relaxing beach day or an after-dinner stroll. From here, you’ll find a walkway leading to an old stone bridge crossing the Hammock River, the perfect place to cast your line into the water. Whether you’re enjoying the beach at high tide or exploring the sand bar during low tide, you’ll get stunning views of Long Island Sound, nearby Cedar Island, and Old Harbor Marina.
Maine
With seven miles of white sandy shoreline, an amusement park, and several hiking and biking trails, you could easily spend the entire day at Old Orchard Beach in Maine. Lay out in the sun, play a round of sand volleyball, then dip your toes in the dark blue water. For a bit of fun, visit Palace Playland, the amusement park next to the beach, to spin around on the teacup ride or enjoy ocean vistas on the Sea Viper coaster. Don’t miss this beach’s weekly fireworks display while snacking on an ice cream cone from one of the boardwalk shops!
Bright blue water, powdery white sand, New England-style cottages, and sand dunes edged with roses make Ogunquit Beach look straight out of a postcard. Hop in the water, rent a canoe, or catch some rays on this 3.5-mile stretch of shoreline. For a scenic walk, lace up your sneakers and hike the paved 1.25-mile Marginal Path. This cliff walk winds past cozy beach cottages, stunning hotels, and gorgeous water views before leading you to Perkins Cove, a village filled with art galleries, restaurants, and local shops.
Massachusetts
With its powdery white sand, crystal-clear water, and shallow tide pools, Wingaersheek Beach feels like a slice of the Caribbean in New England. Located along the Annisquam River and Ipswich Bay in Gloucester, this beach is ideal for swimming; lifeguards are on duty during the summer, making it an excellent spot for families. Before you leave, snap a picture of the iconic Annisquam Harbor Lighthouse, built in 1897—it’s just across the river and offers a perfect backdrop to your day at the beach.
Race Point Beach has the best of both worlds: a rugged location on the tip of Cape Cod but with modern amenities like restrooms and showers. Explore the surrounding sand dunes, bike along scenic paths, or take a boat tour to see migrating whales during the summer months. If you’re up for an afternoon adventure, walk alongside the sand road next to this beach for about two miles – eventually, you’ll hit Race Point Lighthouse, which has been guiding ships since 1816.
New Hampshire
Hampton Beach’s golden sands and blue waters are a summer staple along New Hampshire’s 17-mile coastline. Explore the lively boardwalk and grab a slice at one of the pizzerias, browse for treasures in the souvenir shops, or treat yourself at one of the many ice cream parlors. Start your day with beach yoga on Tuesdays and Thursdays, or bring the family for free Movie Night Mondays on the sand. The Seashell Complex also hosts nightly live music featuring big-name bands, musicians, and comedians all summer.
In Rye, New Hampshire, Jenness State Beach is perfect for a quiet day of building sand castles, dipping your toes in the water, or just relaxing with a good book. The mix of sand and rocks along the shore makes it an excellent spot for beachcombing, and the stronger waves attract surfers from all around. Forgot your gear? No problem—there’s a surf shop right across the street. After a day in the sun, treat yourself to a high-end seafood dinner with ocean views at The Carriage House nearby.
Rhode Island
Located near the entrance to Colt State Park, just south of Providence, Bristol Town Beach showcases 47 acres of pebbly shoreline and peaceful waves. With summer lifeguards, a playground, and a large grassy area, this beach has something for visitors of all ages. Bring your sneakers and walk along one of the many trails in this park to catch water views while enjoying plenty of shade. This beach also has a large sports complex – shoot some hoops from the basketball courts, try your hand at a game of Bocce, or play a round of tennis at the onsite courts.
Easton’s Beach, known locally as First Beach, encompasses a ¾ mile stretch of beige sand and sparkling blue water in Newport. This beach is best known for its Cliff Walk – on this 3.5-mile path, you’ll catch sea breezes, panoramic views, and crashing waves against the rocks. After this hike or a long day of swimming, recharge with a bite to eat from one of the beachside food trucks. Don’t forget to bring a picnic blanket and catch live music on the beach in the evening, performed by local musicians throughout the week.
